Media Relations And Community Outreach: Media Guidelines for Cameras in the Courtroom

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Media Relations And Community Outreach Media Guidelines for Cameras in the Courtroom

Arizona Supreme Court Rule 122 Electronic and Photographic Coverage of Public Judicial Proceedings

News media agencies must notify the Superior Court at least 48 hours in advance of their intent to provide film, videotape or still photographic coverage of judicial proceedings in the courtroom.
Only one news media television camera and one still camera, each mounted on a tripod, each with a single camera operator, will be permitted in the courtroom while court is in session. Cameras must be placed in designated locations. Do not conduct interviews in any part of the courtroom.
No auxiliary lighting, including flash bulbs, strobe lights and reflectors, may be brought into the courtroom by members of the media. Rule 122 requires the use of a suitcase-like blimp on all still cameras. The amendment allows for the substitution of a Nikon F4 with a Nikon CS-13 camera blimp.
Do not conduct interviews in the hallways unless the judge issues a camera order that allows hallway coverage. If the ruling prohibits hallway cameras, you must conduct your interviews in the lobby or outside the court building. It is your responsibility to find out what the camera ruling is prior to the scheduled event.
It is up to the judge to decide where cameras and microphones can be placed in the courtroom. Judges differ on this-- so ask. Do not ever photograph jurors or even give the appearance of photographing jurors.
In the courthouse, cameras are not allowed beyond the double doors that separate the public area from the judicial office hallways.
News media must arrange any pooling of footage or film among themselves. The court will not participate in any pooling agreement.
Equipment and camera operators must be ready to record one hour prior to the court proceeding.
Equipment must not be installed, moved or removed from the courtroom while court is in session. Camera operators may not move around the courtroom while court is in session.
Tape down all cables with cloth gaffer's tape. Do not put tape on the paneling. Remove all tape you apply. Tape on floor must not create a safety hazard.
When attorneys approach the bench to discuss legal issues with the judge, you are prohibited from recording their comments.
Reporters may use personal audio recorders in the courtroom, but usage must not be obtrusive or distracting.
Camera operators are required to wear proper business attire.

The Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County